Retractable basketball hoop

ABSTRACT

A retractable basketball hoop comprising a backboard, a basketball rim, a pole to support the backboard at an elevation, a motor in communication with the pole and a controller, with a user interface, in communication with the motor for adjusting the elevation of the backboard. The basketball rim is pivotally coupled to the backboard.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention

The present application relates generally to a basketball hoop, and in particular to a retractable basketball hoop.

2. Description of Related Art

Homeowner associations frequently require basketball hoops be placed out of sight when not in use. This usually requires a portable basketball hoop that can be moved from the place of use to the garage. Non-portable hoops may also be subject to advance written approval of the homeowner association architectural committee. Such approval may be more readily obtained if the basketball hoop is out of sight when not in use.

A basketball hoop that retracts into the ground when not in use may be looked upon favorably by neighbors and homeowners' associations. However, children do not always appreciate this necessity after they are done with a basketball game. It would be useful to monitor and control the basketball hoop from a mobile or remote device. The integration of the basketball hoop into a home automation system or security system may also be useful to facilitate safety on an owner's premises. Control of access to the basketball hoop after a certain hour, may enhance the peace of a neighborhood at night. In addition, control of selected features of the basketball hoop may be given to users without surrendering total control of all features. Basketball players usually like to enhance the basketball experience. An electronic scoreboard as well as lights can increase the fun.

It is desired that a system be developed to permit control of a retractable basketball hoop by a property owner, while still allowing selected control of by other users at the property owner's discretion. It is also desired that other accessories such as electronic scoreboard and lights be made part of the basketball hoop able to be controlled by selected users. Although great strides have been made, considerable shortcomings remain.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the application itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a retractable basketball hoop system of the present application;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the retractable basketball hoop system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the retractable basketball hoop system of FIG. 1 with the system fully retracted;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the retractable basketball hoop system of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary controller system for raising and lowering the retractable basketball hoop.

While the assembly and method of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the application to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the process of the present application as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Illustrative embodiments of the preferred embodiment are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

In the specification, reference may be made to the spatial relationships between various components and to the spatial orientation of various aspects of components as the devices are depicted in the attached drawings. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art after a complete reading of the present application, the devices, members, apparatuses, etc. described herein may be positioned in any desired orientation. Thus, the use of terms to describe a spatial relationship between various components or to describe the spatial orientation of aspects of such components should be understood to describe a relative relationship between the components or a spatial orientation of aspects of such components, respectively, as the device described herein may be oriented in any desired direction.

The system and method in accordance with the present application overcomes one or more of the above-discussed problems commonly associated with conventional basketball hoops. A retractable basketball hoop comprising a backboard coupled to a pole and a motor coupled to the pole is used to adjust the elevation of the backboard. A controller, with a user interface, communicates with the motor to selectively regulate the operation of the motor. The backboard and pole are stored underground. These and other unique features of the system and method are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

The system and method will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the assembly are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless otherwise described.

The system may include one or more electronic devices in communication with the basketball hoop that provide selective access and capability to multiple parties, such as a property owner, property residents and friends. The system may include programmable software to permit functional interfaces for use by each party. The programmable software is processed and executed through the one or more electronic devices. Each party has certain rites and capabilities within the system. The method includes a series of steps for a party to extend and retract the retractable basketball hoop.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements in form and function throughout the several views. FIG. 1-4 illustrate a retractable basketball hoop system 101 of the present application. Referring now particularly to FIG. 1, system 101 is configured to selectively adjust an elevation of a basketball hoop. System 101 is comprised a backboard 103, a basketball rim 105, a pole 107, a motor 109 and a controller 111. Basketball rim 105 is coupled to backboard 103. Pole 107 is coupled to backboard 103 to support backboard 103 at an elevation. Referring now particularly to FIG. 2, pole 107 may include a plurality of telescoping shafts 107 a-107 i, to selectively adjust the elevation of backboard 103. Motor 109 is in communication with pole 107. Motor 109 selectively adjusts the elevation of backboard 103. Examples of how motor 109 may adjust the elevation of backboard 103 include a gear and pinion, or a pneumatic system that moves pole 107 up and down. Backboard 103 may be configured to change position. Basketball rim 105 may pivot relative to backboard 103 as the position of backboard 103 changes between an extended and retracted position. Additionally, it is understood that backboard 103 may also pivot relative to portions of pole 107 between the same extended and retracted position. This may be beneficial to aid in the storage of backboard 103.

Referring now particularly to FIG. 3, system 101 may store backboard 103 and pole 107 underground. Basketball rim 105 and is shown pivoted to allow backboard 103 to fit underground. System 101 may include a cover 115 that selectively opens and closes to permit passage of backboard 103. Cover 115 may close when pole 107 is extended. Cover 115 may further include one or more flaps 117 that separate from cover 115 and have similar function to cover 115, such as opening and closing when appropriate.

System 101 may optionally include an operable scoreboard 119. Examples of scoreboard 119 functions are keeping game time, team scores, emit sound, display team names, and video monitor the game. At least one light 121 may be further included in system 101. Scoreboard 119 and at least one light 121, may be located on cover 115. Scoreboard 119 and at least one light 121 may be operated independent of controller 111 or optionally may be operated through controller 111 using user interface 113.

Controller 111 is in communication with motor 109 for selectively regulating operation of motor 109 in adjusting the elevation of backboard 103. Some examples of where controller 111 may be located include the garage, inside a building, inside a shed, or at an outside location. Controller 111 includes a user interface 113 for selectively operating motor 109. An example of user interface 113 is a button for increasing elevation and a button for decreasing elevation. Another example of user interface 113 a touch sensitive liquid crystal display (LCD). Status of the basketball hoop, for example backboard 103 elevation, may be displayed on user interface 113. An example of status display is two lights for basketball hoop extended and basketball hoop retracted. Another example of status display on user interface 113 is an LCD that displays the backboard 103 elevation.

Controller 111 may limit or place conditions on use of system 101. An example of a control method to limit use of system 101 are a padlock that denies access to user interface 113. Another method includes the property owner establishing user names and passwords, with individual account permissions to basketball hoop functions using user interface 113. The property owner may use controller 111 to set hours that the basketball hoop may be extended or times at which the basketball hoop must be retracted. Other access methods are contemplated.

Referring now in particular to FIG. 4. System 101 may further comprise a remote device 123 in communication with controller 111. Remote device 123 is configured to control at least one portion of the operation of the basketball hoop. Remote device 123 may also receive at least one status of the basketball hoop. Examples of remote device 123 include a mobile device 129, a scoreboard control console 131, a network 133, a home automation system 135 and a security system 137. Other remote devices 123 are contemplated. Remote device 123 may communicate with controller 111 using link 125. Some examples of link 125 are wireline, wireless and optical link. Remote device 123 may control a portion or all of the basketball hoop functions that controller 111 can. Remote device 123 may optionally be configured to program controller 111, set user permissions and passwords, or disable controller 111.

System 101 may further comprise a basketball storage bin 127, for keeping one or more basketballs.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary controller system 201, for raising and lowering the retractable basketball hoop. The controller system 201 includes an input/output (I/O) interface 212, a basketball hoop engine 214, a database 216, and a maintenance interface 218. Alternative embodiments can combine or distribute the input/output (I/O) interface 212, basketball hoop engine 214, database 216, and maintenance interface 218 as desired. Embodiments of the controller system 201 can include one or more computers that include one or more processors and memories configured for performing tasks described herein below. This can include, for example, a computer having a central processing unit (CPU) and non-volatile memory that stores software instructions for instructing the CPU to perform at least some of the tasks described herein. This can also include, for example, two or more computers that are in communication via a computer network, where one or more of the computers includes a CPU and non-volatile memory, and one or more of the computer's non-volatile memory stores software instructions for instructing any of the CPU(s) to perform any of the tasks described herein. Thus, while the exemplary embodiment is described in terms of a discrete machine, it should be appreciated that this description is non-limiting, and that the present description applies equally to numerous other arrangements involving one or more machines performing tasks distributed in any way among the one or more machines. It should also be appreciated that such machines need not be dedicated to performing tasks described herein, but instead can be multi-purpose machines, for example computer workstations, that are suitable for also performing other tasks. Furthermore, the computers may use transitory and non-transitory forms of computer-readable media. Non-transitory computer-readable media is to be interpreted to comprise all computer-readable media, with the sole exception of being a transitory, propagating signal.

The I/O interface 212 provides a communication link between external users, systems, and data sources and components of the controller system 201. The I/O interface 212 can be configured for allowing one or more users to input information to controller system 201 via any known input device. Examples can include a keyboard, mouse, touch screen, microphone, and/or any other desired input device. The I/O interface 212 can be configured for allowing one or more users to receive information output from the controller system 201 via any known output device. Examples can include a display monitor, a printer, a speaker, and/or any other desired output device. The I/O interface 212 can be configured for allowing other systems to communicate with the controller system 201. For example, the I/O interface 212 can allow one or more remote computer(s) to access information, input information, and/or remotely instruct the controller system 201 to perform one or more of the tasks described herein. The I/O interface 212 can be configured for allowing communication with one or more remote data sources. For example, the I/O interface 212 can allow one or more remote data source(s) to access information, input information, and/or remotely instruct the controller system 201 to perform one or more of the tasks described herein.

The database 216 provides persistent data storage for controller system 201. While the term “database” is primarily used, a memory or other suitable data storage arrangement may provide the functionality of the database 216. In alternative embodiments, the database 216 can be integral to or separate from the controller system 201 and can operate on one or more computers. The database 216 preferably provides non-volatile data storage for any information suitable to support the operation of the controller system 201.

The maintenance interface 218 is configured to allow users to maintain desired operation of the controller system 201. In some embodiments, the maintenance interface 218 can be configured to allow for reviewing and/or revising the data stored in the database 216 and/or performing any suitable administrative tasks commonly associated with database management. This can include, for example, updating database management software, revising security settings, and/or performing data backup operations. In some embodiments, the maintenance interface 218 can be configured to allow for maintenance of the I/O interface 212. This can include, for example, software updates and/or administrative tasks such as security management and/or adjustment of certain tolerance settings.

The basketball hoop engine 214 can be configured extend and retract backboard 103 to specific elevations, to run a game clock, keep team scores, turn lights on and off for illumination as well as vary the illumination intensity and cause the operable scoreboard 119 to make sound. For example, basketball hoop engine 214 can be configured to advance a team's score and make a crowd cheering sound when a basket is made. By system 201 communicating with a network, the player's friends can be updated on game time and score.

The current application has many advantages over the prior art including at least the following: (1) Control of a retractable basketball hoop by a property owner through a controller; (2) Allowing selected control by users at the property owner's discretion using the controller; (3) Accessories such as an electronic scoreboard and one or more indicator lights be made part of the basketball hoop and controlled by selected users through the controller.

The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the application may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. It is apparent that an application with significant advantages has been described and illustrated. Although the present application is shown in a limited number of forms, it is not limited to just these forms, but is amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof. 

1. A retractable basketball hoop comprising: a backboard; a basketball rim coupled to the backboard; a pole configured to support the backboard at an elevation; a motor in communication with the pole, the motor configured to selectively adjust the elevation of the backboard; a controller in communication with the motor for selectively regulating operation of the motor in adjusting the elevation of the backboard, the controller including a user interface; and a remote device configured to be synced over a network so as to integrate with at least one of a mobile device, a home automation system, and a security system, the remote device in communication with the controller and configured to update status and regulate operation of the basketball hoop in real time.
 2. The retractable basketball hoop of claim 1, wherein the pole includes a plurality of telescoping shafts to selectively adjust the elevation of the backboard.
 3. The retractable basketball hoop of claim 1, wherein the backboard and pole are stored underground.
 4. The retractable basketball hoop of claim 1, wherein the basketball rim pivots relative to the backboard as the backboard position changes.
 5. The retractable basketball hoop of claim 1, wherein a user may control access to the retractable basketball hoop via operation of the controller.
 6. The retractable basketball hoop of claim 1, further comprising: a cover wherein the cover selectively opens and closes to permit passage of the backboard.
 7. The retractable basketball hoop of claim 6, wherein the cover includes a scoreboard configured to track score and emit audible sound in response to ball passing through the basketball rim, the scoreboard remaining visible when the backboard is extended and concealed when the backboard is retracted.
 8. The retractable basketball hoop of claim 6, further comprising: a plurality of flaps in communication with the cover, the plurality of flaps configured to surround the pole and rest at ground level when the backboard and cover are extended.
 9. The retractable basketball hoop of claim 1, further comprising: at least one light located on the cover, the at least one light in communication with the controller, the controller further configured to control at least one light.
 10. (canceled)
 11. The retractable basketball hoop of claim 1, wherein the remote device controls the positioning of the basketball hoop.
 12. The retractable basketball hoop of claim 1, wherein the remote device receives a status on the position of the basketball hoop.
 13. The retractable basketball hoop of claim 1, wherein the remote device is a mobile device.
 14. (canceled)
 15. The retractable basketball hoop of claim 1, wherein the remote device may control access to the retractable basketball hoop, access being granted as the retractable basketball hoop is at least partially extended.
 16. The retractable basketball hoop of claim 1, wherein the remote device has circuitry including a basketball hoop engine configured to communicate over the network to update at least one of game time and score in real time over the network. 